A unique opportunity for students to test their natural science knowledge. Play a game of Jeopardy and learn natural science facts of Geography, Hydrology, Geology, and more.

Almost all areas

Typical Rocks of the San Francisco Bay AreaMike Clynne

Examine rocks of the Bay Area.

Shaping Earth's Surface: Volcanoes and Rocks

How do Geologists Name Igneous RockMike Clynne

Display of Typical Igneous Rocks.

Shaping Earth's Surface: Volcanoes and Rocks

Do Soils breathe?Kristen Manies

Did you know that the microbes in soil breathe out CO2, just like people do? Come use some scientific equipment to measure how much CO2 can released by soils and see how plants take up some of that same CO2. Then learn more about the role of CO2 in regulating the global climate and see what makes the soils of Alaska so interesting to USGS scientists.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the explosive eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. But Kilauea has been erupting continuously since 1983, which is almost that long. Come learn about how the volcanoes are similar and different. There will be rock samples to examine.

This display will demonstrate the value of these ecosystems and provide an informational resource about coral and coral ecosystems through a coral reef "I Spy" Activity and coloring pages

Microfossils and Tree Rings Tells Us About Age and Climate ChangeMary McGann and Holly Olson

We will use microfossils and tree rings to show some methods scientists use to tell the age of fossils and how climates have changed through geologic time. Microscopes and dendrochronology equipment (a slice of a tree trunk and coring equipment) will be used.

Life Sciences

Rocks On Geologic MapsDan Mosier and John Galloway

Using the Rock Formations Explanation of a geologic map, students place rock specimens on the appropriate rock formations on a geologic map. This helps students learn how to read a geologic map and relate it to rocks.

April is National Poetry Month! Students can celebrate science, the Earth, and the arts by writing a poem about science or nature, either before or during Earth Science Day. Bring poems written before the event to be hung up at the Poetry Corner, or have a seat during the event and write a poem there. Haiku (online guidelines available at http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?ID=250#rules), limericks (online guidelines at http://www.teachingk-8.com/archives/a_poetry_workshop_in_print/limericks_by_lee_bennett_hopkins.html), or any form welcome. Recommended books: "Spectacular Science," "Science, fresh squeezed," "Science Verse," and "101 Science Poems & Songs for Young Learners (Grades 1-3)"

Quake Cottage-Mobile Earthquake SimulatorGlen and Trish Granholm

Quake Cottage is a mobile earthquake simulator designed as a storybook-looking cottage with thatched roof and rests on a double-axle tandem trailer. It is self-powered and has three-dimensional movement. The interior can be set to resemble a typical family room or office environment. It features a fully equipped entertainment center, seating for two to three persons, a computer system, a cabinet with doors, and decorative framed art. All of the contents are seismically fastened to protect the occupants and demonstrate how violent yet survivable a major earthquake can be. http://www.safe-t-proof.com/index.html

The ShakeOut is a chance for all California schools to prepare themselves for major earthquakes. Practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On! is one way to protect yourself from large earthquakes. Is your school registered to participate in the largest earthquake drill ever! Be an example that motivates other to participate and get prepared. Register today at: shakeout.org On-site registration will be available.

Set up will include a single line of earthquake instruments referred to as geophones (60-ft long) along with a seismograph that will monitor the ground shaking signals the kids produce as they stomp around the exhibit area.

Stack clear plastic trays with a contour line drawn on each to create 3D models of Angel Island and Monterey Canyon. View 3D topo-salad-tray models of Mount St. Helens before and after its big 1980 eruption.

Display a map that shows earthquakes and fault lines in the San Francisco Bay Area. Students will be given an overview about earthquakes and why they happen in the Bay Area. A fault board will be used to demonstrate plate tectonics.

Activity is designed to introduce the concepts of waves and seismic waves that propagate within the Earth. The use of the slinky effectively demonstrates the characteristics of seismic waves and wave propagation.

Shaping Earth's Surface: Earthquakes

Ask-A-GeologistJim Calzia

Have questions about geology? Stop by the booth and talk with USGS Geologist Jim Calzia

The Senseta MAX rover is a compact low-cost 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steer rover outfitted with sensors and electronics that make it ideally suited for supporting research relevant to intelligent teleoperation and as a low-cost autonomous robotic test bed. MAX rovers have been deployed to extreme environments such as the Arctic, the Atacama Desert, and the Mojave Desert and have been operated by NASA and Carnegie Mellon University as well as in collaboration with the USGS and the US Army.